Kentucky’s National Parks: A ‘Kentucky Life’ Special premieres Tuesday
Monday, Nov. 30, 2009
This fall, Ken Burns and PBS thrilled America with a compelling documentary showcasing the history and beauty of the country’s national parks. Now, learn how five sites in Kentucky came to be protected by the National Park Service in the new high-definition KET production Kentucky’s National Parks: A Kentucky Life Special, premiering Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 8/7 p.m. CT on KET as part of WinterPledge 2009.
Hosted by Kentucky Life’s Dave Shuffett, Kentucky’s National Parks moves from the depths of Mammoth Cave to the heights of Cumberland Gap (above) and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (below). In between, discover how Kentucky played an important role in the history of the country.
First, Dave explores Mammoth Cave National Park in a wild cave tour. Featured segments detail the role that African-American slaves played in the exploration of the cave and reveal the still-primitive nature of this longest cave system in the world. Then, at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, a National Historical Park, the Kentucky roots of one of the nation’s greatest presidents are examined, while at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the program examines how the park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The special also visits Big South Fork and stops along the certified sites in Kentucky along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Along the way, Kentuckians share their thoughts about the preservation of these places and what they mean to the Commonwealth and the nation.
To watch a preview of KET’s exciting new production, and to learn more about Kentucky’s national park lands, visit www.ket.org/nationalparks.
During WinterPledge 2009, Nov. 28 through Dec. 6, KET presents a fascinating array of concerts, how-to specials, and engaging documentaries. But this special season also offers the opportunity to help KET guide all Kentuckians on an exciting and fulfilling journey through life — to literally explore Kentucky, and the world.
Other exciting WinterPledge programs include Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes, Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement, and Great Performances “Hitman: David Foster and Friends.” Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics — The ’60s features classic song performances from the Ed Sullivan Show, including the Beatles (right), the Doors, and the Rolling Stones.
This week, three special programs prepare viewers for Turkey Day by planning a traditional meal with all the trimmings, celebrating friends and family, and giving thanks through song.
Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 10/9 p.m. CT on KET2 and Thursday, Nov. 26 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET, discover how rabbit-hunting in Barren County taught a soft urbanite life lessons in the acclaimed KET production The Everlasting Stream. It tells the story of a high-profile Washington Post reporter who began taking hunting trips with his father-in-law and his hunting buddies — three rough-edged African-American country men who at first seemed to have nothing in common with the white city slicker. Little did he know that over the next two decades, these four men would change not only his opinions about hunting, but his feelings about the things that mattered most.
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